Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has penned a letter to leaders of various opposition parties within the INDIA bloc, raising concerns over alleged discrepancies in the voting data recently released by the Election Commission (EC).
In his letter, Kharge queried the delay in the release of final voting percentages for the first and second phases of the Lok Sabha elections.
The Congress chief raised concerns about the significant increase in the final voter turnout figures for the first phase, amounting to nearly 5.5%, from the conclusion of voting to the delayed release of voter turnout data.
“The Commission initially reported an estimated voter turnout of around 60% for both the first and second phases. However, these figures were subsequently revised to 65.5% and 66.7% respectively, before finally settling at 66.14% for the first phase and 66.71% for the second phase,” the letter reportedly read.
He also expressed bafflement over the absence of any clarification from the Commission to justify the delay.
Kharge urged INDIA bloc leaders to unite against such discrepancies, stressing on the importance of safeguarding democracy and the independent functioning of the Election Commission.
He questioned whether the discrepancies could indicate an attempt to manipulate the final results.
Kharge highlighted the frustration of the ruling BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, over diminishing electoral prospects in the initial phases of polling.
He urged also the opposition leaders to collectively voice their concerns to protect the democratic fabric and uphold the Constitution.
Opposition parties have previously raised questions regarding the EC’s delay in releasing polling data.
Sharing the letter on social media, Kharge reiterated his concerns and called for action to address the discrepancies in voting data and the non-publication of registered voters.
Voting is currently underway in 93 constituencies across 12 states and Union territories in the third phase of the Lok Sabha polls, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4.
